Display device and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A display device includes: first pixels which include a first pixel branch line extending in a first direction at one side portion and a first common branch line extending in the first direction at the other side portion which is opposite to the one side portion; second pixels which include a second common branch line extending in the first direction at the one side portion and a second pixel branch line extending in the first direction at the other side portion which is opposite to the one side portion; a first luminous element between the first pixel branch line and the first common branch line; and a second luminous element between the second common branch line and the second pixel branch line, wherein the first pixel and the second pixel are disposed in a second direction which intersects the first direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/261,385, filed Jan. 29, 2019, which claims priority to and thebenefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0077092, filed on Jul.3, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contentof which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device and amethod of manufacturing the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the development of multimedia, the importance of display deviceshas increased. Accordingly, various types (or kinds) of display devicessuch as an organic light emitting display (OLED) and a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) have been used.

Devices configured to display an image in display devices includedisplay panels such as an OLED panel and an LCD panel. The displaypanels may include a luminous element as a light emitting display panel.Examples of a light emitting diode (LED) include an OLED which uses anorganic material as a light emitting material (e.g., a fluorescentmaterial) and an inorganic LED which uses an inorganic material as alight emitting material (e.g., a fluorescent material).

The OLED uses an organic material as the light emitting material (e.g.,the fluorescent material) of a luminous element and has features suchthat a manufacturing process is simple and a display element may have acharacteristic of being flexible. However, it is has been found thatsuch organic materials are vulnerable to a high-temperature operationenvironment and have relatively low efficiency in terms of blue light.

On the other hand, the inorganic LED uses an inorganic semiconductor asthe light emitting material (e.g., the fluorescent material) and hasfeatures such that the inorganic LED is durable even in ahigh-temperature environment and has high efficiency in terms of bluelight, in comparison to the OLED. Also, even in terms of a manufacturingprocess which has been pointed out as a limitation of certain inorganicLED elements, a transfer method using dielectrophoresis (DEP) has beendeveloped. Accordingly, research on an inorganic LED having highdurability and efficiency, in comparison to an OLED, has been carriedout.

SUMMARY

Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure arrange alignmentsignal lines of a symmetrical structure (e.g., a substantiallysymmetrical structure) in an alignment region of a luminous element foreach pixel. The alignment signal lines of the symmetrical structure arearranged to prevent or reduce the drop of an alignment voltage byreducing (e.g., removing) capacitance that may be formed betweenalignment signal lines of adjacent pixels when power is applied.

Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure minimize or reduce thedrop of an alignment voltage and uniformly (e.g., substantiallyuniformly) align luminous elements in a display device.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a display devicecomprising: first type pixels which include a first pixel branch linedisposed to extend in a first direction at one side portion and a firstcommon branch line disposed to extend in the first direction at theother side portion which is disposed opposite to the one side portion;second type pixels which include a second common branch line disposed toextend in the first direction at the one side portion and a second pixelbranch line disposed to extend in the first direction at the other sideportion which is disposed opposite to the one side portion; a firstluminous element disposed between the first pixel branch line and thefirst common branch line; and a second luminous element disposed betweenthe second common branch line and the second pixel branch line, whereinthe first type pixel and the second type pixel are disposed in a seconddirection which intersects the first direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first type pixels and atleast one of the second type pixels are alternately disposed in thesecond direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the first commonbranch line and a portion of the second common branch line areelectrically coupled (e.g., electrically connected).

In an exemplary embodiment, the second common branch line is disposed tobe spaced apart from the second pixel branch line in one direction ofthe second direction,

the display device further comprising a third pixel branch line disposedto be spaced apart from the second pixel branch line in an oppositedirection of the one direction of the second direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the second pixelbranch line and a portion of the third pixel branch line protrude in adirection in which the second pixel branch line and the third pixelbranch line face each other at one end in the first direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein at least one of the second typepixels includes the first luminous element.

In an exemplary embodiment, wherein at least one of the first typepixels is disposed in the first direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first common branch lines of the firsttype pixels disposed in the first direction extend in the firstdirection and are coupled (e.g., connected).

In an exemplary embodiment, further comprising a common trunk linedisposed to extend in the second direction, wherein the first commonbranch lines which extend in the first direction and are coupled to(e.g., connected to) the common trunk line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first pixel branch lines of the firsttype pixels disposed in the first direction are spaced apart from eachother and are disposed to be aligned in the first direction.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a displaydevice comprising: as a pixel array which extends in a first direction,a pixel array in which first type pixels and second type pixels arealternately arranged, wherein: each of the first type pixels and thesecond type pixels includes a pixel electrode, a common electrodedisposed opposite to the pixel electrode, and a luminous elementdisposed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode; in thefirst type pixels, the pixel electrode is disposed at one side of thecommon electrode in the first direction; and in the second type pixels,the common electrode is disposed at the other side of the pixelelectrode in the first direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pixel electrode and the common electrodeof the first type pixel and the second type pixel, respectively, includea portion which extends in a second direction which intersects the firstdirection.

In an exemplary embodiment, further comprising a common trunk line whichextends in the first direction, wherein: the common electrode of thefirst type pixels includes a first common branch pattern; the commonelectrode of the second type pixels adjacent to the first type pixelsincludes a second common branch pattern which is disposed opposite tothe first common branch pattern and is separated therefrom;

and the first common branch pattern and the second common branch patternare coupled to (e.g., connected to) the common trunk line.

In an exemplary embodiment, an end of the first common branch patternand an end of the second common branch pattern are coupled to (e.g.,connected to) each other.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a method ofmanufacturing a display device, the method comprising: forming, on asubstrate, a conductive layer which includes a first pixel lineextending in a first direction, a second pixel line disposed at one sideportion of the first pixel line in a second direction which intersectsthe first direction, and a first common line disposed at the other sideportion of the first pixel line in an opposite direction of the one sideportion; aligning a luminous element between the first pixel line andthe first common line; and forming a separate line by patterning atleast a portion of the first pixel line extending in the firstdirection.

In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive layer further includes asecond common line of the second pixel line which is disposed at anopposite direction of a direction in which the first pixel line isdisposed; and the second pixel line and the second common line aredisposed to be spaced apart from each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the forming of the conductive layer, atleast a portion of the first pixel line and a portion of the secondpixel line are coupled to (e.g., connected to) each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the forming of the separate line includespatterning an area in which the first pixel line and the second pixelline are coupled (e.g., connected) and electrically separating the firstpixel line and the second pixel line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive layer further includes acommon trunk line extending in the second direction.

The first common line and the second common line may extend in the firstdirection and may be coupled to (e.g., connected to) the common trunkline.

In an exemplary embodiment, the aligning of the luminous elementincludes: grounding one end of the common trunk line and applyingalignment power to the first pixel line and the second pixel line; andforming capacitance between the first pixel line and the first commonbranch line.

It should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are notlimited to the above-described embodiments, and other embodiments of thepresent disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects and features of embodiments of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent by describing in more detailexemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings,in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion A of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating type pixels accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of pixels inthe display device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a luminous element according to anembodiment;

FIGS. 6B-6C are schematic diagrams of luminous elements according toother embodiments;

FIGS. 7-10 are plan views schematically illustrating portions of amethod of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 11-12 are plan views of display devices according to otherembodiments; and

FIGS. 13-15 are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating adisplay device according to still another embodiment and a method ofmanufacturing the same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichembodiments of the disclosure are shown. The subject matter of thisdisclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should notbe construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to thoseskilled in the art.

It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being“on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layeror substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. The samereference numbers indicate the same components throughout the presentspecification.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another element. For instance, a first elementdiscussed below could be termed a second element without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the secondelement could also be termed the first element.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion A of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5 , a display device 10 may include an areadefined by a luminous area LA and a non-luminous area NLA (e.g., NLA1and NLA2). In the luminous area LA, a luminous element 350 included inthe display device 10 may be disposed and configured to display lighthaving a set or specific color. The non-luminous area NLA (e.g., a firstnon-luminous area NLA1 and/or a second non-luminous area NLA2) may bedefined as an area other than the luminous area LA. In some embodiments,the non-luminous area NLA may be covered by set or specific members soas to be invisible (or not observable) from the outside of the displaydevice 10. Various suitable members for operating the luminous element350 disposed in the luminous area LA may be disposed in the non-luminousarea NLA. For example, a line, a circuit, a driver, and/or the like forapplying an electrical signal to the luminous area LA may be disposed inthe non-luminous area NLA, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

The display device 10 includes a plurality of pixels PX (e.g., PX1, PX2,PX3, PX4, PX5, and/or PX6) disposed in the luminous area LA. Each of theplurality of pixels PX may be configured to display light in a set orspecific wavelength band to the outside of the display device 10.Although six pixels PX are illustrated in FIG. 1 as an example, it isself-evident that the display device 10 may include more, or fewer,pixels. Although a plurality of pixels PX disposed in a first directionD1 are illustrated in the drawings, the plurality of pixels PX may alsobe disposed in an opposite direction of the first direction D1, a seconddirection D2, which is a direction intersecting the first direction D1,an opposite direction of the second direction D2, or the like. Thepixels PX of FIG. 1 may also be divided into a plurality of pixels, andeach of the pixels may form a single pixel PX. The pixels are notnecessarily disposed in parallel (e.g., substantially in parallel) inthe first direction D1 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and may have varioussuitable structures, e.g., disposed in the direction intersecting thefirst direction D1 (i.e., in the second direction) or disposed in azigzag shape.

The plurality of pixels PX may include one or more luminous elements 350(see FIG. 2 ) configured to emit light in a set or specific wavelengthband and configured to display a color. Light emitted from the luminouselement 350 may be visible from the outside through the luminous area LAof the display device 10 (see FIG. 5 ). In one embodiment, luminouselements 350 configured to emit different colors may be included inpixels PX configured to display different colors. For example, a firstpixel PX1 and a fourth pixel PX4 configured to display red may includeluminous elements 350 configured to emit red light, a second pixel PX2and a fifth pixel PX5 configured to display green may include luminouselements 350 configured to emit green light, and a third pixel PX3 and asixth pixel PX6 configured to display blue may include luminous elements350 configured to emit blue light. However, embodiments are not limitedthereto, and pixels configured to display different colors may alsoinclude luminous elements 350 configured to emit the same (e.g.,substantially the same) colored light (e.g., blue light), and the colorof each pixel may also be realized by a wavelength conversion layer or acolor filter disposed on or along a luminous path of the respectivelight.

The display device 10 may include a plurality of lines 600 and 700, anda plurality of luminous elements 350. At least a portion of theplurality of lines 600 and 700 may be disposed in each pixel PX andelectrically coupled to (e.g., electrically connected to) the luminouselements 350, and may apply an electrical signal to the luminouselements 350 so that the luminous elements 350 emit a set or specificcolored light. At least a portion of the plurality of lines 600 and 700may be utilized in forming an electric field in the pixels PX so as toalign the luminous elements 350. For example, accurately aligningdifferent luminous elements 350 for each pixel PX is useful or importantwhen aligning the luminous elements 350, which are configured to emitdifferent colored light, to the plurality of pixels PX. When aligningthe luminous elements 350 using dielectrophoresis (DEP), a solutionwhich contains the luminous elements 350 may be applied on the displaydevice 10, AC power may be applied thereto to form an electric field,and a direlectrophoretic force may be applied to the luminous elements350 to align the luminous elements 350. A method of aligning theluminous elements 350 will be described in more detail herein below.

The plurality of lines 600 and 700 may include a common line 600 and apixel line 700. The common line 600 and the pixel line 700 may includetrunk lines 650 and 750 disposed to extend in the first direction and aplurality of branch lines 610, 620, 630 and 710, 720, 730 which extendand branch off from the trunk lines 650 and 750, respectively, in thesecond direction intersecting the first direction.

For example, a common trunk line 650, which is a trunk line of thecommon line 600, may have one end that is coupled to (e.g., connectedto) a signal application pad PAD and another end that is disposed in thefirst direction D1 and extends to another adjacent pixel PX. The signalapplication pad PAD may be coupled to (e.g., connected to) the displaydevice 10 or an external power source and apply an electrical signal tothe common line 600. The plurality of pixels PX which are adjacent inthe first direction D1 may share the common trunk line 650 which isdisposed to extend.

The plurality of common branch lines 610, 620, and 630 branch off fromthe common trunk line 650 and extend in the second direction D2intersecting the first direction D1. The plurality of common branchlines 610, 620, and 630 may be terminated in a state of being spacedapart from a pixel trunk line 750 which is disposed opposite to thecommon trunk line 650. For example, the common branch lines 610, 620,and 630 may be disposed in a state in which one end is coupled to (e.g.,connected to) the common trunk line 650 and another end is spaced apartfrom another trunk line. For example, the plurality of common branchlines 610, 620, and 630, e.g., a first common branch line 610, a secondcommon branch line 620, and a third common branch line 630, may bespaced apart from the common trunk line 650, branch off therefrom, andbe disposed for each pixel PX. Due to having one end coupled to (e.g.,connected to) the common trunk line 650, the first common branch line610, the second common branch line 620, and the third common branch line630 may receive the same electrical signal for each pixel PX.

The pixel line 700 may include the pixel trunk line 750. The pixel trunkline 750 may be disposed opposite to the common trunk line 650 and maybe spaced apart from the common trunk line 650.

For example, the pixel trunk line 750 may also have one end coupled to(e.g., connected to) the signal application pad PAD and another endwhich is disposed in the first direction D1 and extends to anotheradjacent pixel PX. Accordingly, the pixel trunk line 750 may receive anelectrical signal from the signal application pad PAD, and a pluralityof adjacent pixels PX may share the pixel trunk line 750.

The plurality of pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 branch off fromthe pixel trunk line 750 and extend in the second direction D2intersecting the first direction D1. The pixel branch lines 710, 720,and 730 may be terminated in a state of being spaced apart from thecommon trunk line 650 that is disposed opposite to the pixel trunk line750. For example, the pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 may bedisposed in a state in which one end is coupled to (e.g., connected to)the pixel trunk line 750 and another end is spaced apart from anothertrunk line (e.g., the common trunk line 650).

The plurality of pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 may include afirst pixel branch line 710, a second pixel branch line 720, and a thirdpixel branch line 730. For example, the first pixel branch line 710, thesecond pixel branch line 720, and the third pixel branch line 730 may bespaced apart from the pixel trunk line 750, branch off therefrom, and bedisposed for each pixel PX configured to display a different color. Asillustrated in FIG. 1 , the first pixel branch line 710 may be disposedfor the first pixel PX1 and the fourth pixel PX4 configured to emit redlight, the second pixel branch line 720 may be disposed for the secondpixel PX2 and the fifth pixel PX5 configured to emit green light, andthe third pixel branch line 730 may be disposed for the third pixel PX3and the sixth pixel PX6 configured to emit blue light. As will befurther described herein below, the pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730disposed for each pixel PX may control emission of the luminous element350 disposed in each pixel PX by different electrical signals beingapplied thereto. Accordingly, the pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730may adjust colors displayed by the pixels PX of the display device 10.

In some embodiments, the common line 600 may be a common electrodedisposed for each pixel PX, and the pixel line 700 may be a pixelelectrode. Any one of the common line 600 and the pixel line 700 may bean anode electrode, and the other one may be a cathode electrode.

The common trunk line 650 and the pixel trunk line 750 may be separatedfrom each other with respect to the luminous area LA and may be disposedin different non-luminous areas NLA. For example, the common trunk line650 may be disposed in the first non-luminous area NLA1 disposed at oneside portion of the luminous area LA, e.g., below the luminous area LAin the drawings, and the pixel trunk line 750 may be disposed in thesecond non-luminous area NLA2 disposed at the other side portion of theluminous area LA, e.g., above the luminous area LA in the drawings. Theother side portion of the luminous area LA may be a side portion in adirection opposite to the one side portion, but the present disclosureis not limited thereto. Also, instead of the common trunk line 650 andthe pixel trunk line 750 being disposed below and above the luminousarea LA, respectively, the common trunk line 650 may be disposed abovethe luminous area LA, and the pixel trunk line 750 may be disposed belowthe luminous area LA, depending upon the point of view.

By different lines disposed in the display device 10 being separatelydisposed in different non-luminous areas NLA with respect to theluminous area LA, a space of the non-luminous area NLA may be minimizedor reduced. The plurality of lines 600 and 700 may be separatelydisposed so that the luminous area LA is maximized or increased for thesame area.

However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the structure in whichthe plurality of lines 600 and 700 are disposed is not particularlylimited as long as the plurality of lines 600 and 700 are respectivelydisposed in a non-luminous area NLA of at least one one side portion andanother side portion. In some embodiments, the plurality of lines 600and 700 may be disposed at a right portion and a left portion, dependingupon the point of view, with respect to the luminous area LA so as to bespaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, all of the differentlines may also be disposed in the same (e.g., substantially the same)direction with respect to the luminous area LA.

As described above, the plurality of common branch lines 610, 620, and630 and the plurality of pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 may bedisposed in the pixels PX of the luminous area LA. Accordingly, at leasta portion of the common line 600 and the pixel line 700 may be disposedin the non-luminous area NLA, and the remaining portion thereof may bedisposed in the luminous area LA. However, embodiments are not limitedthereto, and the trunk lines may also be disposed in the luminous areaLA in some cases.

In a single pixel PX, the pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 may bedisposed by forming pairs with the common branch lines 610, 620, and630, respectively. The branch lines forming a pair are disposed oppositeto each other and spaced apart from each other. For example, the firstpixel branch line 710 and the first common branch line 610 may bedisposed to form a pair in the first pixel PX1 and the fourth pixel PX4,the second pixel branch line 720 and the second common branch line 620may be disposed to form a pair in the second pixel PX2 and the fifthpixel PX5, and the third pixel branch line 730 and the third commonbranch line 630 may be disposed to form a pair in the third pixel PX3and the sixth pixel PX6.

Since the common branch lines 610, 620, 630 and the pixel branch lines710, 720, 730 branch off from the common trunk line 650 and the pixeltrunk line 750, respectively, structures in which the common branchlines 610, 620, 630 and the pixel branch lines 710, 720, 730 aredisposed in the pixels PX may be partially different in accordance withthe arrangement of trunk lines.

For example, in the case of the common trunk line 650 disposed in thefirst non-luminous area NLA1 which is disposed at one side portion ofthe luminous area LA, e.g., below the luminous area LA, the plurality ofcommon branch lines 610, 620, and 630 may branch off and extend in thesecond direction D2. In some embodiments, the common branch lines 610,620, and 630 may be disposed to extend from the bottom to the top of thedrawings. The pixel trunk line 750 may be disposed opposite to thecommon trunk line 650 and be disposed in the second non-luminous areaNLA2 which is disposed at the other side portion of the luminous areaLA, e.g., above the luminous area LA. In this case, the plurality ofpixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 may branch off and extend in theopposite direction of the second direction D2. For example, the pixelbranch lines 710, 720, and 730 may be disposed to extend from the top tothe bottom of the drawings. In other words, the plurality of pixelbranch lines 710, 720, 730 and the plurality of common branch lines 610,620, 630 may branch off from each respective trunk line to be spacedapart from each other in the pixels PX and be disposed in directionsfacing (e.g., opposite) each other.

In some embodiments, the first common branch line 610 disposed in thefirst pixel PX1 may be disposed to extend in the second direction D2,and the first pixel branch line 710 may be disposed to extend in theopposite direction of the second direction D2 while being disposedopposite to the first common branch line 610 and spaced apart therefrom.Consequently, the first common branch line 610 and the first pixelbranch line 710 may be parallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to eachother while only partial areas of side surfaces thereof overlap in thesame (e.g., substantially the same) plane. Ends of the first commonbranch line 610 and the first pixel branch line 710 may be disposed inopposite directions with respect to the center of the first pixel PX1.

The same may apply for the second common branch line 620 and the secondpixel branch line 720 disposed in the second pixel PX2 and the thirdcommon branch line 630 and the third pixel branch line 730 disposed inthe third pixel PX3. For example, both pairs of the second pixel branchline 720 and the second common branch line 620 and the third pixelbranch line 730 and the third common branch line 630 may be parallel(e.g., substantially parallel) to each other while only partial areas ofside surfaces thereof overlap in the same (e.g., substantially the same)plane, and ends thereof may be disposed in opposite directions withrespect to the center of the second pixel PX2 and the center of thethird pixel PX3.

However, embodiments are not limited thereto. As described above, thearrangement of the common branch lines 610, 620, 630 and the pixelbranch lines 710, 720, 730 disposed in each pixel PX may be changed invarious suitable ways in accordance with the arrangement of the commontrunk line 650 and the pixel trunk line 750. For example, when thecommon trunk line 650 and the pixel trunk line 750 are disposed in thesame (e.g., substantially the same) direction (e.g., in the firstnon-luminous area NLA1 or the second non-luminous area NLA2) withrespect to the luminous area LA, branch lines which branch off from eachtrunk line to be disposed in the pixels PX may extend in the same (e.g.,substantially the same) direction.

In other words, the first common branch line 610 disposed in the firstpixel PX1 may extend in the second direction D2, and the first pixelbranch line 710 may also extend in the second direction D2. The firstcommon branch line 610 and the first pixel branch line 710 may beparallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to each other, and most of theside surfaces thereof may overlap in the same (e.g., substantially thesame) plane. Ends of the first common branch line 610 and the firstpixel branch line 710 may be disposed in the same (e.g., substantiallythe same) direction with respect to the center of the first pixel PX1.

One of the common branch lines 610, 620, or 630 and one of the pixelbranch lines 710, 720, or 730 disposed opposite to each other and spacedapart from each other in a single pixel PX may respectively constitute apixel electrode 330 and a common electrode 340 of the display device 10.The above-described luminous elements 350 may be disposed between one ofthe pixel branch lines 710, 720, or 730 and one of the common branchlines 610, 620, or 630 which are opposite to each other. One end of theluminous element 350 may be coupled to (e.g., connected to) one of thepixel branch lines 710, 720, or 730, and the other end of the luminouselement 350 may be coupled to (e.g., connected to) one of the commonbranch lines 610, 620, or 630. Accordingly, the luminous element 350 mayreceive an electrical signal from one of the pixel branch lines 710,720, 730 and one of the common branch lines 610, 620, or 630 and emitcolored light.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a plurality of luminous elements 350 may bearbitrarily disposed between respective ones of pixel branch lines 710,720, and 730 and common branch lines 610, 620, and 630. As describedabove, the luminous elements 350 may come into contact with respectiveones of the pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 and the common branchlines 610, 620, and 630 which are disposed so that the respective endsare opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other. In thiscase, the arrangement structure of the luminous elements 350 may bedisposed substantially perpendicular to the pixel branch lines 710, 720,and 730 and the common branch lines 610, 620, and 630 and may bedisposed to be substantially parallel to the corresponding portions ofthe pixel trunk line 750 and the common trunk line 650.

Meanwhile, as described above, the common branch lines 610, 620, and 630and the pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 are spaced apart from thecommon trunk line 650 and the pixel trunk line 750, respectively, branchoff therefrom, and are disposed opposite to each other in a single pixelPX. However, the common branch lines 610, 620, 630 and the pixel branchlines 710, 720, 730 disposed for each pixel PX may also be disposed indifferent structures. For example, with respect to the centers of thepixels PX, the pixel branch lines 710, 720, 730 may be disposed at oneside portion, and the common branch lines 610, 620, 630 may be disposedat the other side portion. In some embodiments, the common branch lines610, 620, 630 may be disposed at the one side portion while the pixelbranch lines 710, 720, 730 are disposed at the other portion. This willbe described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3-4 .

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically illustrating different type pixelsaccording to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustratingthe arrangement of pixels in the display device according to anembodiment

Referring to FIG. 3 , a display device 10 according to an embodiment mayinclude type pixels Flip 1 and Flip 2 having different arrangementstructures. In the case of the first type pixel Flip 1, pixel branchlines 710, 720, 730 may be disposed at one side portion, e.g., a leftside portion, in the first type pixel Flip 1 and constitute a first typepixel electrode 700F_1. Common branch lines 610, 620, 630 may bedisposed at a side portion opposite to the one side portion, e.g., at aright side portion, of the first type pixel Flip 1 and constitute afirst type common electrode 600F_1. The first type pixel electrode700F_1 and the first type common electrode 600F_1 may be disposedopposite to each other and spaced apart from each other in the firsttype pixel Flip 1. Luminous elements 350 may be disposed between thefirst type pixel electrode 700F_1 and the first type common electrode600F_1.

In the case of the second type pixel Flip 2, the common branch lines610, 620, 630 may be disposed at the one side portion, e.g., the leftside portion, and constitute a second type common electrode 600F_2. Thepixel branch lines 710, 720, 730 may be disposed at the other sideportion opposite to the one side portion, e.g., at the right sideportion, and constitute a second type pixel electrode 700F_2. Forexample, the first type pixel Flip 1 and the second type pixel Flip 2may have structures symmetrical (e.g., substantially symmetrical) toeach other.

When the first type pixel Flip 1 and the second type pixel Flip 2 areadjacent and alternately aligned, the first type pixel electrode 700F_1and the second type common electrode 600F_2 may be disposed at the oneside portion and the other side portion, respectively, with respect tothe first type common electrode 600F_1. Also, the second type commonelectrode 600F_1 and the first type pixel electrode 700F_1 may bedisposed at the one side portion and the other side portion,respectively, with respect to the second type pixel electrode 700F_2.

In some embodiments, at least one of the type common electrodes 600F_1and 600F_2 and at least one of the type pixel electrodes 700F_1 and700F_2 may be disposed at both side portions adjacent to the type commonelectrodes 600F_1 and 600F_2 and the type pixel electrodes 700F_1 and700F_2. In this case, as will be described below, since an electricfield is not formed (or substantially not formed) in areas where theluminous elements 350 are not aligned, e.g., areas between the typepixel electrodes 700F_1, 700F_2 and the type pixel electrodes 700F_1,700F_2 and areas between the type common electrodes 600F_1 and 600F_2and the type common electrodes 600F_1 and 600F_2, capacitance is notgenerated therein (or not substantially generated therein). The drop ofa voltage of AC power may be minimized or reduced by removingcapacitance that may be formed in areas in which the luminous elements350 are not aligned.

However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and only one of the typecommon electrodes 600F_1 and 600F_2 may be substantially disposedbetween the type pixel electrodes 700F_1 and 700F_2. For example, thetype pixel electrodes 700F_1 and 700F_2 may be respectively disposed atboth side surfaces of the type common electrode 600F_1 or 600F_2. Whenthe first type pixel Flip 1 and the second type pixel Flip 2 arealternately aligned in an arbitrary direction, two type pixel electrodes700F and a single type common electrode 600F may be alternatelydisposed.

Accordingly, different type pixel electrodes 700F_1 and 700F_2 may sharea single type common electrode 600F_1 or 600F_2. The luminous elements350 may be disposed at both side surfaces of the type common electrode600F_1 or 600F_2 being shared. In other words, arbitrary type pixelelectrodes 700F_1 and 700F_2 may be coupled to (e.g., connected to) theluminous elements 350 only in a single pixel PX. On the other hand, thetype common pixels 600F_1 and 600F_2 may be coupled to (e.g., connectedto) the luminous elements 350 in two or more pixels PX.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the arrangement of pixels PX in thedisplay device 10 of FIG. 1 . In an exemplary embodiment, the firstpixel PX1 and the fourth pixel PX4 may be configured to display red (R,“flipped R”), the second pixel PX2 and the fifth pixel PX5 may beconfigured to display green (G, “flipped G”), and the third pixel PX3and the sixth pixel PX6 may be configured to display blue (B, “flippedB”). FIG. 4 illustrates an arrangement structure with respect to colorsthat the pixels PX are configured to display. When the first pixel PX1to the sixth pixel PX6 are disposed in the first direction D1 asillustrated in FIG. 1 , the first pixel PX1 to the sixth pixel PX6 maybe configured to display red (R), green (G), blue (B), red (R), green(G), and blue (B), respectively.

In the display device 10, the first type pixel Flip 1 and the secondtype pixel Flip 2 may be aligned in the first direction D1 of FIG. 1while being alternately disposed. For example, when the first type pixelFlip 1 configured to display red (R) is disposed in the first pixel PX1,the second type pixel Flip 2 configured to display green (G) may bedisposed in the second pixel PX2. The first type pixel Flip 1 configuredto display blue (B) may be disposed in the third pixel PX3, and thesecond type pixel Flip 2 configured to display red (R) again may bedisposed in the fourth pixel PX4.

Accordingly, the first pixel PX1 and the second pixel PX2 may havesymmetrical structures (e.g., substantially symmetrical structures) interms of the arrangement of electrodes. Even when the first pixel PX1and the fourth pixel PX4 are configured to display the same (e.g.,substantially the same) color, e.g., red (R), the first type pixel Flip1 and the second type pixel Flip 2 which are different from each othermay be disposed in the first pixel PX1 and the fourth pixel PX4,respectively. Although the case in which a single first type pixel Flip1 is disposed in each pixel PX, e.g., the first pixel PX1 which isconfigured to display red (R), is illustrated as an example in FIG. 4 ,embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, a plurality offirst type pixels Flip 1 may be disposed in the first pixel PX1 which isconfigured to display red (R). This will be described in more detailherein below with reference to another embodiment.

The display device 10 may have a structure in which the above-describedfirst type pixel Flip 1 and second type pixel Flip 2 are alternatelyaligned in the pixels PX of the luminous area LA. Accordingly, regardingthe common trunk line 650 and the pixel trunk line 750 disposed on thedisplay device 10, gaps at which various lines are spaced apart andbranch off may vary.

In one embodiment, other common branch lines 610, 620, and 630 adjacentto arbitrary common branch lines 610, 620, and 630 may be spaced apartfrom the common trunk line 650 at different gaps and branch offtherefrom. For example, in comparison to other common branch lines 610,620, and 630 which are spaced apart at a small gap in the firstdirection D1 of the arbitrary common branch lines 610, 620, and 630,still other common branch lines 610, 620, and 630 which are spaced at asmall gap in the opposite direction of the first direction D1 may bespaced apart at relatively larger gaps. Also, even in the case of thepixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730, other pixel branch lines 710, 720,and 730 adjacent to arbitrary pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 maybe spaced apart from the pixel trunk line 750 at different gaps andbranch off therefrom.

For example, the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the thirdpixel PX3 which are disposed to be adjacent in the first direction D1 asillustrated in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

The second common branch line 620 branches off between the third commonbranch line 630 spaced apart in the first direction D1 and the firstcommon branch line 610 spaced apart in the opposite direction of thefirst direction D1. The gap at which the second common branch line 620and the first common branch line 610 are spaced apart may be shorterthan the gap at which the second common branch line 620 and the thirdcommon branch line 630 are spaced apart. For example, the first commonbranch line 610 may branch off while being relatively more adjacent tothe second common branch line 620 than to the third common branch line630.

The second pixel branch line 720 branches off between the third pixelbranch line 730 spaced apart in the first direction D1 and the firstpixel branch line 710 spaced apart in the opposite direction of thefirst direction D1. The gap at which the second pixel branch line 720and the third pixel branch line 730 are spaced apart may be shorter thanthe gap at which the second pixel branch line 720 and the first pixelbranch line 710 are spaced apart. For example, the third pixel branchline 730 may branch off while being relatively more adjacent to thesecond pixel branch line 720 than to the first pixel branch line 710.

In other words, at least two or more of the common branch lines 610,620, 630 and at least two or more of the pixel branch lines 710, 720,730 of the display device 10 may form a pair, be spaced apart at arelatively small gap, and branch off. The branch lines forming a pairmay branch off in parallel (e.g., substantially in parallel) to eachother from each trunk line. For example, as in FIG. 1 , the first commonbranch line 610 and the second common branch line 620 may form a pairand branch off while being adjacent to each other, and the second pixelbranch line 720 and the third pixel branch line 730 may form a pair andbranch off while being adjacent to each other.

As described above, the common branch lines 610, 620, 630 and the pixelbranch lines 710, 720, 730 are disposed opposite to each other andspaced apart from each other in each pixel PX. In this case, the pixelbranch lines 710, 720, 730 may not be disposed between the common branchlines 610, 620, 630 which are spaced apart at a relatively small gap,and the common branch lines 610, 620, 630 may be disposed between thepixel branch lines 710, 720, 730 which are spaced apart at relativelylarge gaps. In the opposite case as well, the common branch lines 610,620, 630 may not be disposed between the pixel branch lines 710, 720,730 which are spaced apart at relatively small gaps, and the commonbranch lines 610, 620, 630 may be disposed between the pixel branchlines 710, 720, 730 which are spaced apart at relatively large gaps.

For example, the first pixel branch line 710 and the first common branchline 610 are disposed in the first pixel PX1, the second pixel branchline 720 and the second common branch line 620 are disposed in thesecond pixel PX2, and the third pixel branch line 730 and the thirdcommon branch line 630 are disposed in the third pixel PX3. The pixelbranch lines 710, 720, and 730 may not be disposed between the firstcommon branch line 610 and the second common branch line 620, which arespaced apart at a relatively small gap. On the contrary, the pixelbranch lines 710, 720, and 730, e.g., the second pixel branch line 720and the third pixel branch line 730 which is spaced apart from thesecond pixel branch line 720 at a relatively small gap, may be disposedbetween the second common branch line 620 and the third common branchline 630, which are spaced apart at a relatively large gap. Also, thefirst common branch line 610 and the second common branch line 620 maybe disposed between the first pixel branch line 710 and the second pixelbranch line 720 which are spaced apart at a relatively large gap. Inaddition, in the case of the fourth pixel PX4 disposed in the firstdirection D1 of the third pixel PX3, the first pixel branch line 710 andthe first common branch line 610 may be disposed by a method identicalto that described above. For example, the third common branch line 630and the first common branch line 610 may be disposed adjacent to thefourth pixel PX4, and the first pixel branch line 710 may be disposed tobe spaced apart from the fourth pixel PX4. The pixels PX which may bedisposed to further extend in the first direction D1 may also bedisposed by the same method.

Accordingly, with respect to the boundary between the first pixel PX1and the second pixel PX2, the branch lines disposed in each pixel PX,e.g., the first pixel branch line 710 and the first common branch line610, and the second common branch line 620 and the second pixel branchline 720, may be disposed to be symmetrical (e.g., substantiallysymmetrical). With respect to the boundary between the second pixel PX2and the third pixel PX3, the branch lines disposed in each pixel PX,e.g., the second common branch line 620 and the second pixel branch line720, and the third pixel branch line 730 and the third common branchline 630, may be disposed to be symmetrical (e.g., substantiallysymmetrical). The branch lines disposed in the first pixel PX1 and thethird pixel PX3 may be disposed in structures which are substantiallythe same.

Regarding the branch lines which are aligned in the first direction D1from an area in which the signal application pad PAD is disposed, thecommon branch lines 610, 620, 630 and the pixel branch lines 710, 720,730 may be alternately disposed while one or more of the branch linesare continuously disposed. For example, the first pixel branch line 710and the first common branch line 610 may be alternately disposed whilethe first common branch line 610 and the second common branch line 620are continuously disposed. The second common branch line 620 and thesecond pixel branch line 720 may be alternately disposed while thesecond pixel branch line 720 and the third pixel branch line 730 arecontinuously disposed.

As described above, the luminous elements 350 are disposed between thecommon branch lines 610, 620, 630 and the pixel branch lines 710, 720,730 in each pixel PX. The luminous elements 350 may be aligned byreceiving a dielectrophoresis force due to an electric field formed whenthe common branch lines 610, 620, 630 are grounded and AC power isapplied to the pixel branch lines 710, 720, 730. In this case, since thecommon branch lines 610, 620, 630 or the pixel branch lines 710, 720,730 are continuously disposed in the boundary between the pixels PX inwhich the luminous elements 350 are not disposed, capacitance due to theelectric field is not formed (or substantially not formed) even when ACpower is applied. Accordingly, the drop of a voltage of AC power appliedto the pixel branch lines 710, 720, 730 may be minimized or reduced, anda voltage at a similar level as that applied to a pixel PX adjacent tothe AC power may also be applied to a pixel PX which is disposed at arelatively large gap from the AC power. Consequently, at a front surfaceof the display device 10, the drop of the voltage of AC power may beminimized or reduced, AC power having a voltage required for aligningthe luminous elements 350 may be applied, and the luminous elements 350may be uniformly (e.g., substantially uniformly) aligned in each pixelPX. This will be described in more detail herein below.

The pixel line 700 of the display device 10 according to an embodimentmay include a plurality of separate lines, wherein the separate linesmay be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 1 , the pixel trunk line 750 extending in the firstdirection D1 may include at least one trunk separate line 750 a, and thetrunk separate line 750 a may be aligned in the first direction D1.

For example, the pixel trunk line 750 may include a first trunk separateline 751 a coupled to (e.g., connected to) the first pixel branch line710 disposed in the first pixel PX1, a second trunk separate line 752 acoupled to (e.g., connected to) the second pixel branch line 720disposed in the second pixel PX2, and a third trunk separate line 753 acoupled to (e.g., connected to) the third pixel branch line 730 disposedin the third pixel PX3. The trunk separate lines 750 a may be disposedto be spaced apart from each other, and trunk spaced-apart portions 750b may be disposed between the trunk separate lines 750 a. Consequently,the first trunk separate line 751 a, the second trunk separate line 752a, the third trunk separate line 753 a, and the trunk spaced-apartportions 750 b may be aligned in the first direction D1 in which thepixel trunk line 750 extends.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pixel trunk line 750 may be electricallyseparated in an area which overlaps a boundary between an arbitrarypixel PX and another adjacent pixel PX. For example, the trunkspaced-apart portions 750 b may be disposed in an area in which bothside surfaces of an arbitrary pixel PX extend in the second direction D2and overlap the pixel trunk line 750. Accordingly, a length of the trunkseparate lines 750 a measured in the first direction D1 may besubstantially equal to a length of the pixels PX measured in the firstdirection D1. For example, by the trunk spaced-apart portions 750 bbeing disposed at boundary surfaces at which the pixels PX are adjacent,both side portions of the trunk separate lines 750 a and both sidesurfaces of the pixels PX may be substantially aligned. However,embodiments are not limited thereto, and the structure is notparticularly limited as long as the pixel trunk line 750 may beelectrically separated at every pixel PX.

Since the common trunk line 650 is electrically coupled to (e.g.,electrically connected to) the plurality of common branch lines 610,620, and 630, the common trunk line 650 may apply the same electricalsignal to each of the plurality of common branch lines 610, 620, and630. On the other hand, since the pixel trunk line 750 is separated intothe plurality of trunk separate lines 750 a, the pixel branch lines 710,720, and 730 coupled to (e.g., connected to) the trunk separate lines750 a may receive different electrical signals. In some embodiments, theplurality of trunk separate lines 750 a may receive different electricalsignals through different thin film transistors. Accordingly, the pixeltrunk line 750 may be electrically separated by the trunk spaced-apartportions 750 b, and the luminous elements 350 configured to emitdifferent colored light may be disposed in each pixel PX and beseparately operated. Even in pixels PX in which the luminous elements350 configured to emit the same (e.g., substantially the same) coloredlight are disposed, different trunk separate lines 750 a and the pixelbranch lines 710, 720, and 730 may be disposed and separately operated.However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The branch lines includedin the pixel line 700 may not necessarily be disposed in the pixel trunkline 750 and may also be disposed on each of the pixel branch lines 710,720, and 730. This will be described in more detail herein below withreference to other embodiments.

Hereinafter, a cross-sectional structure of the luminous area LA of thedisplay device 10 will be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 5 .

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 1 . FIG.5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a single pixel PX disposed inthe luminous area LA of the display device 10 according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5 , the display device 10 may include a substrate110, thin film transistors 120 and 140 disposed on the substrate 110,electrodes 330 and 340 disposed on the thin film transistors 120 and140, and luminous elements 350. The thin film transistors may include afirst thin film transistor 120, which is a driving transistor, and asecond thin film transistor 140, which is a switching transistor. Eachthin film transistor may include an active layer, a gate electrode, asource electrode, and a drain electrode. The pixel electrode 330 may beelectrically coupled to (e.g., electrically connected to) the drainelectrode of the first driving transistor.

In more detail, the substrate 110 may be an insulating substrate. Thesubstrate 110 may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz,and/or polymer resin. Examples of the polymer material may includepolyethersulphone (PES), polyacrylate (PA), polyarylate (PAR),polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene napthalate (PEN), polyethyleneterepthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide(PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (CAT), cellulose acetatepropionate (CAP), or a combination thereof. The substrate 110 may be arigid substrate, but may also be a flexible substrate which is bendable,foldable, rollable, and/or the like.

A buffer layer 115 may be disposed on the substrate 110. The bufferlayer 115 may prevent or reduce diffusion of impurity ions, prevent orreduce infiltration of moisture or outside air, and serve to smoothenthe surface of the substrate 110. The buffer layer 115 may includesilicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon oxynitride(SiOxNy), and/or the like.

A semiconductor layer is disposed on the buffer layer 115. Thesemiconductor layer may include a first active layer 126 of the firstthin film transistor 120, a second active layer 146 of the second thinfilm transistor 140, and an auxiliary layer 163. The semiconductor layermay include polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon, an oxidesemiconductor, and/or the like.

A first gate insulating layer 170 is disposed on the semiconductorlayer. The first gate insulating layer 170 covers the semiconductorlayer. The first gate insulating layer 170 may serve as a gateinsulating film of thin film transistors. The first gate insulatinglayer 170 may include SiOx, SiNx, SiOxNy, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃),tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, and/orthe like, which may be used solely or in combination.

A first conductive layer is disposed on the first gate insulating layer170. The first conductive layer may include a first gate electrode 121disposed on the first active layer 126 of the first thin film transistor120, a second gate electrode 141 disposed on the second active layer 146of the second thin film transistor 140, and a power line 161 disposed onthe auxiliary layer 163, while the first gate insulating layer 170 issandwiched between the first conductive layer and the first gateelectrode 121, the second gate electrode 141, and the power line 161.The first conductive layer may include one or more metals selected frommolybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver(Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium(Ir), chrome (Cr), calcium (Ca), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), tungsten(W), and copper (Cu). The first conductive layer may include a monolayerfilm or a multilayer film.

A second gate insulating layer 180 is disposed on the first conductivelayer. The second gate insulating layer 180 may be an interlayerinsulating film. The second gate insulating layer 180 may include aninorganic insulating material such as SiOx, SiNx, SiOxNy, hafnium oxide,Al₂O₃, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, zinc oxide, and/or the like.

A second conductive layer is disposed on the second gate insulatinglayer 180. The second conductive layer includes a capacitor electrode128 disposed on the first gate electrode 121 while a second insulatinglayer is sandwiched between the second conductive layer and thecapacitor electrode 128. The capacitor electrode 128 may form a reservecapacitor together with the first gate electrode 121.

Like the above-described first conductive layer, the second conductivelayer may include one or more metals selected from Mo, Al, Pt, Pd, Ag,Mg, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Ca, Ti, Ta, W, and Cu.

An interlayer insulating layer 190 is disposed on the second conductivelayer. The interlayer insulating layer 190 may be an interlayerinsulating film. Further, the interlayer insulating layer 190 may serveto smoothen (e.g., planarize) the surface of the second conductivelayer. The interlayer insulating layer 190 may include an organicinsulating material such as a polyacrylate resin, an epoxy resin, aphenolic resin, a polyamide resin, a polyimide resin, an unsaturatedpolyester resin, a polyphenylenether resin, a polyphenylenesulfideresin, and/or benzocyclobutene (BCB).

A third conductive layer is disposed on the interlayer insulating layer190. The third conductive layer includes a first drain electrode 123 anda first source electrode 124 of the first thin film transistor 120, asecond drain electrode 143 and a second source electrode 144 of thesecond thin film transistor 140, and a power electrode 162 disposed onthe power line 161.

Each of the first source electrode 124 and the first drain electrode 123may be electrically coupled to (e.g., electrically connected to) thefirst active layer 126 through a first contact hole 129 which passesthrough the interlayer insulating layer 190 and the second gateinsulating layer 180. Each of the second source electrode 144 and thesecond drain electrode 143 may be electrically coupled to (e.g.,electrically connected to) the second active layer 146 through a secondcontact hole 149 which passes through the interlayer insulating layer190 and the second gate insulating layer 180. The power electrode 162may be electrically coupled to (e.g., electrically connected to) thepower line 161 through a third contact hole 169 which passes through theinterlayer insulating layer 190 and the second gate insulating layer180.

The third conductive layer may include one or more metals selected fromAl, Mo, Pt, Pd, Ag, Mg, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Ca, Ti, Ta, W, and Cu. Thethird conductive layer may include a monolayer film or a multilayerfilm. For example, the third conductive layer may include a laminatedstructure of Ti/Al/Ti, Mo/Al/Mo, Mo/AlGe/Mo, Ti/Cu, and/or the like.

An insulating substrate layer 310 is disposed on the third conductivelayer. The insulating substrate layer 310 may include an organicmaterial such as a polyacrylate resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin,a polyamide resin, a polyimide resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, apolyphenylenether resin, a polyphenylenesulfide resin, and/or BCB. Asurface of the insulating substrate layer 310 may be smooth.

A partition wall 380 may be disposed on the insulating substrate layer310. At least a portion of each of the pixel line 700 and the commonline 600 may be disposed on the partition wall 380. For example, thepartition wall 380 may include a least one first partition wall 381 onwhich the pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 are disposed and at leastone second partition wall 382 on which the common branch lines 610, 620,and 630 are disposed. Although a single first partition wall 381 and asingle second partition wall 382 are illustrated in FIG. 5 , partitionwalls which correspond to the number of branch portions may be disposedin a single pixel. For example, in the arrangement structure illustratedin FIG. 1 , both the number of first partition walls 381 disposed in asingle pixel and the number of second partition walls 382 disposed inthe single pixel would be one.

However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the partition wall 380disposed on the insulating substrate layer 310 may be omitted. Forexample, the common branch lines 610, 620, and 630 and the pixel branchlines 710, 720, and 730 may also be directly disposed on the insulatingsubstrate layer 310. In this case, unlike FIG. 5 , a step differenceformed due to members disposed on the insulating substrate layer 310 maybe relatively small.

The pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 and the common branch lines610, 620, and 630 disposed on the first partition wall 381 and thesecond partition wall 382 may include partition wall reflective layers331, 341 and partition wall electrode layers 332, 342, which will bedescribed below, and constitute the pixel electrode 330 and the commonelectrode 340. For example, at least a portion of a common line 450 andpixel lines 410, 420, and 430 disposed in each pixel PX may be the pixelelectrode 330 or the common electrode 340 in the pixels PX.

A first partition wall reflective layer 331 and a second partition wallreflective layer 341 may be disposed on the partition wall 380.

The first partition wall reflective layer 331 covers the first partitionwall 381 and is electrically coupled to (e.g., electrically connectedto) the first drain electrode 123 of the first thin film transistor 120through a fourth contact hole 319_1 which passes through the insulatingsubstrate layer 310. In FIG. 1 , the first partition wall reflectivelayer 331 is illustrated as being electrically coupled to (e.g.,electrically connected to) the first drain electrode 123 of the firstthin film transistor 120 through a pixel electrode contact hole CNTDdisposed on pixel trunk lines 751, 752, and 753. For example, the pixelelectrode contact hole CNTD may be the fourth contact hole 319_1. Thepixel electrode contact hole CNTD may be disposed in the non-luminousarea NLA of the display device 10, but embodiments are not limitedthereto. The pixel electrode contact hole CNTD may also be disposed onthe pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 and come into contact with thefirst partition wall reflective layer 331 in the luminous area LA.

The second partition wall reflective layer 341 is disposed to be spacedapart from the first partition wall reflective layer 331. The secondpartition wall reflective layer 341 covers the second partition wall 382and is electrically coupled to (e.g., electrically connected to) thepower electrode 162 through a fifth contact hole 319_2 which passesthrough the insulating substrate layer 310. In FIG. 1 , the secondpartition wall reflective layer 341 is illustrated as being electricallycoupled to (e.g., electrically connected to) the power electrode 162 ofthe power line 161 through a common electrode contact hole CNTS disposedon the common trunk line 650. For example, the common electrode contacthole CNTS may be the fifth contact hole 319_2. The common electrodecontact hole CNTS may be disposed in the non-luminous area NLA of thedisplay device 10, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The commonelectrode contact hole CNTS may also be disposed on the common branchlines 610, 620, and 630 and come into contact with the second partitionwall reflective layer 341 in the luminous area LA. Since the commontrunk line 650 is electrically coupled (e.g., electrically connected)between adjacent pixels PX, the common trunk line 650 may come intocontact with the second partition wall reflective layer 341 through asingle common electrode contact hole CNTS in the non-luminous area NLAdisposed at the outside of the luminous area LA.

Meanwhile, the first partition wall reflective layer 331 and the secondpartition wall reflective layer 341 may reflect light emitted from theluminous elements 350, thereby transmitting light toward the outside ofthe display device 10. Light emitted from the luminous elements 350 isemitted in any suitable direction without directionality, and lightheading toward the first partition wall reflective layer 331 and thesecond partition wall reflective layer 341 may be reflected andtransmitted toward the outside of the display device 10, e.g., towardthe top of the partition wall 380. Accordingly, light emitted from theluminous elements 350 may be focused in one direction so that opticalefficiency is enhanced. In order to reflect light emitted from theluminous elements 350, the first partition wall reflective layer 331 andthe second partition wall reflective layer 341 may include a materialhaving a high reflectance. For example, the first partition wallreflective layer 331 and the second partition wall reflective layer 341may include materials such as Ag and/or Cu, but embodiments are notlimited thereto.

A first partition wall electrode layer 332 and a second partition wallelectrode layer 342 may be disposed on the first partition wallreflective layer 331 and the second partition wall reflective layer 341,respectively.

The first partition wall electrode layer 332 is disposed right above thefirst partition wall reflective layer 331. The first partition wallelectrode layer 332 may have substantially the same (e.g., substantiallythe same) pattern as the first partition wall reflective layer 331.

The second partition wall electrode layer 342 is disposed right abovethe second partition wall reflective layer 341. The second partitionwall electrode layer 342 is disposed to be separated from the firstpartition wall electrode layer 332. The second partition wall electrodelayer 342 may have substantially the same (e.g., substantially the same)pattern as the second partition wall reflective layer 341.

In one embodiment, the first partition wall electrode layer 332 maycover the first partition wall reflective layer 331 disposed below thefirst partition wall electrode layer 332 and the second partition wallelectrode layer 342 may cover the second partition wall reflective layer341 disposed below the second partition wall electrode layer 342. Forexample, the first partition wall electrode layer 332 and the secondpartition wall electrode layer 342 may be formed larger than the firstpartition wall electrode layer 332 and the second partition wallreflective layer 341 and cover end side surfaces of the first partitionwall electrode layer 332 and the second partition wall electrode layer342. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The first partition wall electrode layer 332 and the second partitionwall electrode layer 342 may transmit electrical signals transmitted tothe first partition wall reflective layer 331 and the second partitionwall reflective layer 341 to contact electrodes which will be describedbelow. The partition wall electrode layers 332 and 342 may include atransparent conductive material. For example, the first partition wallelectrode layer 332 and the second partition wall electrode layer 342may include materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide(IZO), indium tin-zinc oxide (ITZO), and/or the like, but embodimentsare not limited thereto.

The first partition wall reflective layer 331 and the first partitionwall electrode layer 332 disposed on the first partition wall 381constitute the pixel branch lines 610, 620, and 630, and the pixelbranch lines 610, 620, and 630 constitute the pixel electrode 330. Thepixel electrode 330 may protrude to an area which extends from both endsof the first partition wall 381, and accordingly, the pixel electrode330 may come into contact with the insulating substrate layer 310 in thearea in which the pixel electrode 330 protrudes. The second partitionwall reflective layer 341 and the second partition wall electrode layer342 disposed on the second partition wall 382 constitute a common branchline 450 b, and the common branch line 450 b constitutes the commonelectrode 340. The common electrode 340 may protrude to an area whichextends from both ends of the second partition wall 382, andaccordingly, the common electrode 340 may come into contact (e.g.,physical contact) with the insulating substrate layer 310 in the area inwhich the common electrode 340 protrudes.

For example, the pixel branch lines 710, 720, 730 and the common branchlines 610, 620, 630 may include the partition wall reflective layers331, 341 and the partition wall electrode layers 332, 342, respectively,and have a structure in which the partition wall reflective layers 331,341 and the partition wall electrode layers 332, 342 are laminated. Inaddition, as described above, the pixel branch lines 710, 720, 730 andthe common branch lines 610, 620, 630 may constitute the pixel electrode330 and the common electrode 340, respectively. However, embodiments arenot limited thereto.

The pixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340 may be disposed tocover the entire (e.g., substantially the entire) area of the firstpartition wall 381 and the entire (e.g., substantially the entire) areaof the second partition wall 382, respectively. However, the pixelelectrode 330 and the common electrode 340 are disposed opposite to eachother and spaced apart from each other. In a space in which the pixelelectrode 330 and the common electrode 340 are spaced apart, a firstinsulating layer 510 may be disposed, and the luminous elements 350 maybe disposed thereon as will be described below.

Since the first partition wall reflective layer 331 may receive adriving voltage from the first thin film transistor 120 and the secondpartition wall reflective layer 341 may receive a power voltage from thepower line 161, the pixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340receive the driving voltage and the power voltage, respectively. As willbe described below, a first contact electrode 360 and a second contactelectrode 370 disposed on the pixel electrode 330 and the commonelectrode 340 may transmit the driving voltage and the power voltage tothe luminous elements 350, and the luminous elements 350 may emit lightas a set or predetermined current flows in the luminous elements 350.

The first insulating layer 510 is disposed on a partial area of thepixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340. The first insulatinglayer 510 may be disposed in a space between the pixel electrode 330 andthe common electrode 340. In a plan view, the first insulating layer 510may have the form of an island or a linear shape formed along the spacebetween the pixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340.

The luminous elements 350 are disposed on the first insulating layer.The first insulating layer 510 may be disposed between the luminouselements 350 and the insulating substrate layer 310. A lower surface ofthe first insulating layer 510 may come into contact with the insulatingsubstrate layer 310, and the luminous elements 350 may be disposed at anupper surface of the first insulating layer 510. Both side surfaces ofthe first insulating layer 510 may come into contact with the pixelelectrode 330 and common electrodes 340, and the first insulating layer510 may electrically insulate the pixel electrode 330 and the commonelectrodes 340 from each other.

The first insulating layer 510 may overlap with partial regions of thepixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340, e.g., with portions ofareas in which the pixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340protrude in directions opposite to each other. For example, ends of theboth side surfaces of the first insulating layer 510 may cover an uppersurface of the area in which the pixel electrode 330 and the commonelectrode 340 protrude in the directions opposite to each other. Thefirst insulating layer 510 may protect areas which overlap with thepixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340 and electricallyinsulate the areas from the pixel electrode 330 and the common electrode340. By preventing or reducing a first semiconductor layer 351 and asecond semiconductor layer 352 of the luminous elements 350 fromdirectly coming into contact with other base materials, the firstinsulating layer 510 may prevent or reduce damage to the luminouselements 350.

Although surfaces at which the first insulating layer 510 comes intocontact with the pixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340 areillustrated in FIG. 5 as being aligned with both side surfaces of theluminous elements 350, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example,a length of the first insulating layer 510 may be greater than a lengthof the luminous elements 350, and thus the first insulating layer 510may protrude past the both side surfaces of the luminous elements 350.Accordingly, side surfaces of the first insulating layer 510 and theluminous elements 350 may be laminated in a stair shape (e.g., a stepshape).

At least one luminous element 350 may be disposed between the pixelelectrode 330 and the common electrode 340. The case in which luminouselements 350 configured to emit the same (e.g., substantially the same)colored light are disposed in each pixel PX is illustrated in FIG. 1 asan example. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and asdescribed above, the luminous elements 350 configured to emit differentcolored light may also be disposed together in a single pixel PX.

The pixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340 may be disposed tobe spaced apart at a set or predetermined gap, and the gap at which thepixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340 are spaced apart may beless than or equal to the length of the luminous elements 350.Accordingly, electrical contact between the luminous elements 350 andthe pixel electrode 330 and between the luminous elements 350 and thecommon electrode 340 may be facilitated.

The luminous elements 350 may be an LED. The luminous elements 350 maybe a nanostructure whose size is generally in a nano unit. The luminouselements 350 may be an inorganic LED include an inorganic material. Inthe case in which the luminous elements 350 are an inorganic LED, when aluminous material having an inorganic crystal structure is disposedbetween two electrodes disposed opposite to each other and an electricfield is formed in the luminous material in a set or specific direction,the inorganic LED may be aligned between the two electrodes in which aset or specific polarity is formed. This will be described in moredetail herein below.

A second insulating layer 520 may be disposed on the luminous elements350, protect the luminous elements 350, and fix the luminous elements350 between the pixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340. Insome embodiments, the second insulating layer 520 may also be disposedat an outer surface of the luminous elements 350 and fix the luminouselements 350. The second insulating layer 520 may be disposed at apartial area of the outer surface of the luminous elements 350. Thesecond insulating layer 520 may be disposed such that both side surfacesof the luminous elements 350 are exposed. For example, the length of thesecond insulating layer 520 may be shorter than that of the luminouselements 350, and thus the second insulating layer 520 may be recessedmore inward than the both side surfaces of the luminous elements 350.Accordingly, side surfaces of the first insulating layer 510, theluminous elements 350, and the second insulating layer 520 may belaminated in a stair shape (e.g., a step shape). In this case, like thefirst insulating layer 510, by the second insulating layer 520 beingdisposed as described above, contact of the first contact electrode 360and the second contact electrode 370 may be facilitated at the sidesurfaces of the luminous elements 350.

However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and the lengths of thesecond insulating layer 520 and the luminous elements 350 may be equal,and both side portions thereof may be aligned. In addition, when thesecond insulating layer 520 and the first insulating layer 510 areconcurrently (e.g., simultaneously) patterned, both side portions of thesecond insulating layer 520 may be aligned with both side portions ofthe luminous elements 350 and the first insulating layer 510.

The first contact electrode 360 which is disposed on the pixel electrode330 and overlaps with at least a portion of the second insulating layer520 and the second contact electrode 370 which is disposed on the commonelectrode 340 and comes into contact with at least a portion of thesecond insulating layer 520 even when disposed to be spaced apart fromthe first contact electrode 360 may be included on the second insulatinglayer 520.

The first contact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 maybe disposed at an upper surface of the pixel electrode 330 and an uppersurface of the common electrode 340, respectively. For example, thefirst contact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 maycome into contact with the first partition wall electrode layer 332 andthe second partition wall electrode layer 342, respectively, at theupper surfaces of the pixel electrode 330 and the common electrode 340.The first contact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 mayrespectively come into contact with the first semiconductor layer 351and the second semiconductor layer 352 of the luminous elements 350.Accordingly, the first contact electrode 360 and the second contactelectrode 370 may transmit electrical signals applied to the firstpartition wall electrode layer 332 and the second partition wallelectrode layer 342 to the luminous elements 350.

The first contact electrode 360 may be disposed on the pixel electrode330 to cover the pixel electrode 330, and a portion of a lower surfaceof the first contact electrode 360 may come into contact with theluminous elements 350 and the second insulating layer 520. One end ofthe first contact electrode 360 in a direction in which the commonelectrode 340 is disposed on the second insulating layer 520. The secondcontact electrode 370 may be disposed on the common electrode 340 tocover the common electrode 340, and a portion of a lower surface of thesecond contact electrode 370 may come into contact with the luminouselements 350, the second insulating layer 520, and a third insulatinglayer 530. One end of the second contact electrode 370 in a direction inwhich the pixel electrode 330 is disposed on the third insulating layer530.

The first contact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 maybe disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the second insulatinglayer 520 or the third insulating layer 530. For example, both the firstcontact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 may come intocontact with the luminous elements 350 and the second insulating layer520 or the third insulating layer 530, but the first contact electrode360 and the second contact electrode 370 may be disposed to be spacedapart from each other on the second insulating layer 520. Thus, thefirst contact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 may notbe coupled to (e.g., connected to) each other. Because of this, thefirst contact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 mayreceive different powers from the first thin film transistor 120 and thepower line 161. For example, the first contact electrode 360 may receivethe driving voltage applied from the first thin film transistor 120 tothe pixel electrode 330, and the second contact electrode 370 mayreceive the power voltage applied from the power line 161 to the commonelectrode 340. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The first contact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 mayinclude a conductive material. For example, the first contact electrode360 and the second contact electrode 370 may include ITO, IZO, ITZO, Al,and/or the like. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The first contact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 mayinclude the same (e.g., substantially the same) material as that of thefirst partition wall electrode layer 332 and the second partition wallelectrode layer 342. In order to come into contact with the firstpartition wall electrode layer 332 and the second partition wallelectrode layer 342, the first contact electrode 360 and the secondcontact electrode 370 may be disposed in substantially the same (e.g.,substantially the same) pattern on the first partition wall electrodelayer 332 and the second partition wall electrode layer 342. The firstcontact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 coming intocontact with the first partition wall electrode layer 332 and the secondpartition wall electrode layer 342 may receive electrical signalsapplied to the first partition wall electrode layer 332 and the secondpartition wall electrode layer 342 and transmit the received electricalsignals to the luminous elements 350.

The third insulating layer 530 may be disposed on the first contactelectrode 360 and electrically insulate the first contact electrode 360and the second contact electrode 370 from each other. The thirdinsulating layer 530 may be disposed to cover the first contactelectrode 360 while disposed not to overlap with partial areas of theluminous elements 350 so that the luminous elements 350 may be coupledto (e.g., connected to) the second contact electrode 370. A portion ofthe third insulating layer 530 may come into contact with the firstcontact electrode 360 and the second insulating layer 520 at an uppersurface of the second insulating layer 520. The third insulating layer530 may be disposed to cover one end of the first contact electrode 360at the upper surface of the second insulating layer 520. Accordingly,the third insulating layer 530 may protect the first contact electrode360 and electrically insulate the first contact electrode 360 from thesecond contact electrode 370.

One end of the third insulating layer 530 in the direction in which thecommon electrode 340 is disposed may be aligned with one side surface ofthe second insulating layer 520.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the third insulating layer 530 may beomitted from the display device 10. Accordingly, the first contactelectrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 may be disposed onsubstantially the same (e.g., substantially the same) plane, and thefirst contact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode 370 may beelectrically insulated from each other by a passivation layer 550 whichwill be further described herein below. This will be described in moredetail herein below with reference to other embodiments.

The passivation layer 550 may be formed on the third insulating layer530 and the second contact electrode 370 and serve to protect membersdisposed on the insulating substrate layer 310 from an externalenvironment. When the first contact electrode 360 and the second contactelectrode 370 are exposed, since a problem in that materials of thecontact electrodes are disconnected due to damage to the electrodes mayoccur, the first contact electrode 360 and the second contact electrode370 may be covered by the passivation layer 550. For example, thepassivation layer 550 may be disposed to cover the pixel electrode 330,the common electrode 340, the luminous elements 350, and/or the like.Also, when the third insulating layer 530 is omitted as described above,the passivation layer 550 may be formed on the first contact electrode360 and the second contact electrode 370. In this case, the passivationlayer 550 may electrically insulate the first contact electrode 360 andthe second contact electrode 370 from each other.

Each of the above-described first insulating layer 510, secondinsulating layer 520, third insulating layer 530, and passivation layer550 may include an inorganic insulating material. For example, the firstinsulating layer 510, the second insulating layer 520, the thirdinsulating layer 530, and the passivation layer 550 may includematerials such as SiOx, SiNx, SiOxNy, Al₂O₃, and/or aluminum nitride(AlN). The first insulating layer 510, the second insulating layer 520,the third insulating layer 530, and the passivation layer 550 mayinclude the same (e.g., substantially the same) material, but may alsoinclude different materials. Various other suitable materials whichprovide an insulating property to the first insulating layer 510, thesecond insulating layer 520, the third insulating layer 530, and thepassivation layer 550 may be applied thereto.

As described above, the display device 10 according to an embodiment mayinclude the pixel electrode 330, the common electrode 340, and theluminous elements 350 disposed between the pixel electrode 330 and thecommon electrode 340. The luminous elements 350 may receive electricalsignals from the first contact electrode 360 and the second contactelectrode 370 and emit light in a set or specific wavelength band.

Meanwhile, the luminous elements 350 may be manufactured using anepitaxial growth method on the substrate. A seed crystal layer forforming the semiconductor layer may be formed on the substrate, adesired semiconductor material may be deposited thereon, and the desiredsemiconductor material may be caused to grow. Hereinafter, a structureof luminous elements 350 according to various embodiments will bedescribed in more detail herein below with reference to FIG. 6 .

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a luminous element according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6A, a luminous element 350 may include a plurality ofsemiconductor layers 351 and 352 and an active material layer 353disposed between the plurality of semiconductor layers 351 and 352.Electrical signals applied from the pixel electrode 330 and the commonelectrode 340 may be transmitted to the active material layer 353through the plurality of semiconductor layers 351 and 352, and theluminous element 350 may emit light.

For example, the luminous element 350 may include a first semiconductorlayer 351, a second semiconductor layer 352, the active material layer353 disposed between the first semiconductor layer 351 and the secondsemiconductor layer 352, and an insulating material layer 358. FIG. 6Aillustrates an example in which the luminous element 350 has a structurein which the first semiconductor layer 351, the active material layer353, and the second semiconductor layer 352 are sequentially laminatedin a longitudinal direction.

The first semiconductor layer 351 may be an n-type semiconductor layer.For example, when the luminous element 350 emits light in a bluewavelength band, the first semiconductor layer 351 may be asemiconductor material having a chemical formula,In_(x)Al_(y)Ga_(1-x-y)N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1). For example, the firstsemiconductor layer 351 may be any one or more selected from InAlGaN,GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, AlN, and InN doped with an n-type material. The firstsemiconductor layer 351 may be doped with a first conductive dopant, andfor example, the first conductive dopant may include Si, Ge, Sn, and/orthe like. A length of the first semiconductor layer 351 may be in arange of 1.5 μm to 5 μm, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

The second semiconductor layer 352 may be a p-type semiconductor layer.For example, when the luminous element 350 emits light in a bluewavelength band, the second semiconductor layer 352 may be asemiconductor material having a chemical formula,In_(x)Al_(y)Ga_(1-x-y)N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1). For example, the secondsemiconductor layer 352 may be any one or more selected from InAlGaN,GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, AlN, and InN doped with a p-type material. The secondsemiconductor layer 352 may be doped with a second conductive dopant,and for example, the second conductive dopant may include Mg, Zn, Ca,Se, Ba, and/or the like. A length of the second semiconductor layer 352may be in a range of 0.08 μm to 0.25 μm, but embodiments are not limitedthereto.

The active material layer 353 may be disposed between the firstsemiconductor layer 351 and the second semiconductor layer 352 andinclude a material of a single quantum well structure or a multiplequantum well structure. When the active material layer 353 includes thematerial of the multiple quantum well structure, the active materiallayer 353 may have a structure in which a plurality of quantum layersand well layers are alternately laminated. The active material layer 353may emit light due to recombination of electron-hole pairs according toelectrical signals applied to the active material layer 353 through thefirst semiconductor layer 351 and the second semiconductor layer 352.For example, when the active material layer 353 emits light in a bluewavelength band, the active material layer 353 may include materialssuch as AlGaN and/or AlInGaN. In some embodiments, when the activematerial layer 353 has the multiple quantum well structure in which thequantum layers and the well layers are alternately laminated, thequantum layers may include materials such as AlGaN and/or AlInGaN, andthe well layers may include materials such as GaN and/or AlGaN. However,embodiments are not limited thereto. The active material layer 353 mayalso have a structure in which semiconductor materials having high bandgap energy and semiconductor materials having low band gap energy arealternately laminated and may include different semiconductor materialsin Groups 3 or 5 according to a wavelength band of light being emitted.Accordingly, light emitted by the active material layer 353 is notlimited to light in a blue wavelength band, and the active materiallayer 353 may also emit light in a red or green wavelength band in somecases. A length of the active material layer 353 may be in a range 0.05μm to 0.25 μm, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

Light emitted from the active material layer 353 may be emitted not onlyto longitudinal outer surfaces of the luminous element 350 but also toboth side surfaces of the luminous element 350. For example, thedirectionality of light emitted from the active material layer 353 isnot limited to a single direction.

The insulating material layer 358 may be formed at an outer portion ofthe luminous element 350 and protect the luminous element 350. Forexample, the insulating material layer 358 may be formed to surroundside portions of the luminous element 350 and may not be formed at bothlongitudinal ends of the luminous element 350, e.g., both ends thereofat which the first semiconductor layer 351 and the second semiconductorlayer 352 are disposed. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.The insulating material layer 358 may include materials having aninsulating property, e.g., SiO_(x), SiN_(x), SiO_(x)N_(x), AlN, Al₂O₃,and/or the like. Accordingly, an electrical short circuit that may occurwhen the active material layer 353 directly comes into contact with thepixel electrode 330 or the common electrode 340 may be prevented orreduced. Also, since the insulating material layer 358 includes theactive material layer 353 and protects an outer surface of the luminouselement 350, degradation of luminous efficiency may be prevented orreduced.

A thickness of the insulating material layer 358 may be in a range of0.5 μm to 1.5 μm, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

The luminous element 350 may have a cylindrical shape. However, theshape of the luminous element 350 is not limited thereto, and theluminous element 350 may have various other suitable shapes such as acubic shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a hexagonal prismshape, and the like. A length of the luminous element 350 may be in arange of 1 μm to 10 μm or 2 μm to 5 μm. For example, the luminouselement 350 may have a length of about 4 μm. A diameter of the luminouselement 350 may be in a range of 400 nm to 700 nm. In some embodiments,the luminous element 350 may have a thickness of about 500 nm.

FIGS. 6B-6C are schematic diagrams of luminous elements according toother embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 6B-6C, luminous elements 350′ and 350″ may furtherinclude electrode layers 356 and 357 disposed on at least one of theboth side surfaces at which the first semiconductor layer 351 and thesecond semiconductor layer 352 are disposed.

FIG. 6B illustrates an example in which the luminous element 350′further includes an electrode layer 357 disposed only at the secondsemiconductor layer 352. FIG. 6C illustrates an example in which theluminous element 350″ further includes electrode layer 356 and 357respectively disposed at the first semiconductor layer 351 and thesecond semiconductor layer 352. For convenience of description, anelectrode layer formed at one side surface at which the firstsemiconductor layer 351 is disposed will be referred to as a firstelectrode layer 356, and an electrode layer formed at the other sidesurface at which the second semiconductor layer 352 is disposed will bereferred to as a second electrode layer 357. However, embodiments arenot limited thereto, and an arbitrary electrode layer may also bereferred to as a first electrode layer.

The luminous elements 350′ and 350″ according to different embodimentsmay include at least one of the first electrode layer 356 and the secondelectrode layer 357. In this case, the insulating material layer 358 mayextend in the longitudinal direction and formed to cover the firstelectrode layer 356 and the second electrode layer 357. However,embodiments are not limited thereto. The insulating material layer 358may cover only the first semiconductor layer 351, the active materiallayer 353, and the second semiconductor layer 352, or cover onlyportions of outer surfaces of the electrode layers 356 and 357 such thatthe outer surfaces of the first electrode layer 356 and the secondelectrode layer 357 are partially exposed.

The first electrode layer 356 and the second electrode layer 357 may beohmic contact electrodes. However, embodiments are not limited thereto,and the first electrode layer 356 and the second electrode layer 357 mayalso be Schottky contact electrodes. The first electrode layer 356 andthe second electrode layer 357 may include a metal having conductivity.For example, the first electrode layer 356 and the second electrodelayer 357 may include at least one of Al, Ti, In, Au, and/or Ag. Thefirst electrode layer 356 and the second electrode layer 357 may includethe same (e.g., substantially the same) material or include differentmaterials. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the display device 10 accordingto an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7-10 . Thestructure in which the common line 600 and the pixel line 700 of thedisplay device 10 are disposed, the alignment of the luminous elements350, and the like will be described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 7-10 .

FIGS. 7-10 are plan views schematically illustrating a part of a methodof manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.Description will be provided below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7-10 .

First, referring to FIG. 7 , an anode-cathode layer ACL on which theplurality of lines 600 and 700 are disposed is formed on the insulatingsubstrate layer 310. Forming the plurality of lines 600 and 700 mayinclude performing a general masking process and patterning metals,organic materials, or the like so as to form the plurality of lines 600and 700. For example, a metal layer may be deposited on the insulatingsubstrate layer 310, and the deposited metal layer may be patterned sothat the anode-cathode layer ACL on which the plurality of lines 600 and700 are disposed is formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality oflines 600 and 700 may include a common line 600 and a pixel line 700.

As described above, the display device 10 may include an area defined bya luminous area LA and a non-luminous area NLA. Accordingly, patterningis performed so that a common truck line 650 and a pixel truck line 750are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the non-luminous areaNLA on the insulating substrate layer 310. In an exemplary embodiment,the common truck line 650 may be disposed in a first non-luminous areaNLA1 disposed below the luminous area LA from among the non-luminousarea NLA, and the pixel truck line 750 may be disposed in a secondnon-luminous area NLA2 disposed above the luminous area LA from amongthe non-luminous area NLA. Each of the common truck line 650 and thepixel truck line 750 may extend in a first direction D1. Since a moredetailed arrangement structure of the common truck line 650 and thepixel truck line 750 is the same as that described above with referenceto FIG. 1 , redundant descriptions thereof will not be repeated here.

Branch lines, e.g., a common branch pattern 600P and a pixel branchpattern 700P, which branch off and extend from each trunk line may bedisposed in the luminous area LA of the insulating substrate layer 310.At least one common branch pattern 600P may be spaced apart from thecommon trunk line 650 and branch off therefrom. The common branchpattern 600P may extend in a second direction D2, which is a directionintersecting the first direction D1, be spaced apart from the pixeltrunk line 750, and be terminated. Although the common branch pattern600P is illustrated in FIG. 7 as branching off upward from the commontrunk line 650, embodiments are not limited thereto.

At least one pixel branch pattern 700P may be spaced apart from thepixel trunk line 750 and branch off therefrom. The pixel branch pattern700P may extend in the second direction D2, which is a directionintersecting the first direction D1, be spaced apart from the commontrunk line 650, and be terminated. Although the pixel branch pattern700P is illustrated in FIG. 7 as branching toward the bottom of thepixel trunk line 750, embodiments are not limited thereto.

Two or more common branch patterns 600P and two or more pixel branchpatterns 700P form a pair and branch off, and the common branch patterns600P and the pixel branch patterns 700P are disposed opposite to eachother and spaced apart from each other. Regarding the common branchpatterns 600P and the pixel branch patterns 700P disposed on theluminous area LA of the insulating substrate layer 310, the patternsforming pairs may be alternately disposed in the first direction D1. Anarea in which the common branch pattern 600P and the pixel branchpattern 700P are spaced apart may be an area in which the luminouselements 350 are aligned, and an area in which the common branch pattern600P and the pixel branch pattern 700P form a pair and are spaced apartmay be an area in which the luminous elements 350 are not aligned. Theplurality of luminous elements 350 may be aligned in the area in whichthe common branch pattern 600P and the pixel branch pattern 700P arespaced apart from each other, and the common branch lines 610, 620, and630 and the pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730 may be configuredtherein. Since the structure, arrangement, or the like of the commonbranch pattern 600P and the pixel branch pattern 700P are the same(e.g., substantially the same) as those of the common branch lines 610,620, and 630 and the pixel branch lines 710, 720, and 730, redundantdescriptions thereof will not be repeated here.

Next, referring to FIG. 8 , the plurality of luminous elements 350 arealigned in the area in which the common branch pattern 600P and thepixel branch pattern 700P are spaced apart from each other. In thiscase, the plurality of luminous elements 350 may emit the same (e.g.,substantially the same) colored light, but embodiments are not limitedthereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the luminous elements 350 mayinclude a first luminous element 350 a configured to emit red light, asecond luminous element 350 b configured to emit green light, and athird luminous element 350 c configured to emit blue light. The firstluminous element 350 a, the second luminous element 350 b, and the thirdluminous element 350 c may be aligned in the area in which differentcommon branch patterns 600P and pixel branch patterns 700P are spacedapart.

For example, the first luminous element 350 a may be aligned between afirst pixel branch pattern 710P and a first common branch pattern 610P,the second luminous element 350 b may be aligned between a second pixelbranch pattern 720P and a second common branch pattern 620P, and thethird luminous element 350 c may be aligned between a third pixel branchpattern 730P and a third common branch pattern 630P. Accordingly, theluminous elements 350 a, 350 b, and 350 c may configure the first pixelPX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3, respectively.

When aligning the luminous elements 350 as described above, an electricfield may be formed between the common branch pattern 600P and the pixelbranch pattern 700P, and dielectrophoresis may be used. This will bedescribed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 9-10 . FIG. 9schematically illustrates a process in which luminous elements arealigned in a display device, and FIG. 10 schematically illustratescapacitance being formed in the display device due to an electric field.

Referring to FIG. 9 , a solution S which contains the luminous elements350 may be applied on the display device 10, an electric field E may beformed, and a dielectrophoresis force may be applied to the luminouselements 350 to align the luminous elements 350. At least some of theplurality of lines 600 and 700, e.g., the common branch pattern 600P andthe pixel branch pattern 700P, disposed on the insulating substratelayer 310 may be utilized in forming the electric field E in the pixelsPX so as to align the luminous elements 350. The electric field E mayapply a dielectrophoresis force to the luminous elements 350 containedin the solution S applied on the insulating substrate layer 310. In someembodiments, a dielectrophoresis force may be applied to the luminouselements 350 so that the luminous elements 350 are aligned with ends ofthe common branch pattern 600P and the pixel branch pattern 700P facingeach other.

As described above with reference to FIG. 5 , the first partition wall381 and the second partition wall 382 may be disposed on the insulatingsubstrate layer 310, and the partition wall reflective layers 331, 341and the partition wall electrode layers 332, 342 may be disposedthereon. In this case, the partition wall reflective layers 331, 341 andthe partition wall electrode layers 332, 342 may configure the commonbranch pattern 600P and the pixel branch pattern 700P on the firstpartition wall 381 and the second partition wall 382. However, forconvenience of description, it is illustrated in FIG. 9 that a commonbranch pattern 600P includes a single layer and a pixel branch pattern700P includes a single layer are formed on the partition walls 381 and382, respectively. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and itshould be understood with reference to other drawings that theabove-described case is within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an alignment area AA in which the luminouselements 350 are aligned and a non-alignment area NAA in which theluminous elements 350 are not aligned may be defined between the commonbranch pattern 600P and the pixel branch pattern 700P disposed to bespaced apart from each other. When one end of the common branch pattern600P is grounded (GND), and AC power is applied to the pixel branchpattern 700P, capacitance C due to the electric field may be formed inthe common branch pattern 600P and the pixel branch pattern 700Pdisposed to be spaced apart from each other. For example, thecapacitance C due to the AC power may be formed only in the alignmentarea AA and may not be formed in the non-alignment area NAA or area D ofFIG. 10 .

The AC power may be applied from the signal application pad PAD coupledto (e.g., connected to) one end of the pixel trunk line 750 and betransmitted to the pixel branch pattern 700P. An intensity of a voltageof the AC power may progressively weaken toward the other side portionof the pixel trunk line 750 which extends in the first direction D1 ortoward an end of the pixel branch pattern 700P which branches off in thesecond direction D2.

At least some of the common branch patterns 600P and pixel branchpatterns 700P may be continuously disposed in the display device 10according to an embodiment such that the capacitance C due to the ACpower is only formed in the alignment area AA without being formed inthe non-alignment area NAA. Accordingly, the drop of the voltage of theAC power may be minimized or reduced, and the AC power may be uniformly(e.g., substantially uniformly) applied to the front surface of thedisplay device 10. Accordingly, an alignment failure may be solved bythe luminous elements 350 being aligned only in the alignment area AAand the minimum voltage intensity required for the alignment of luminouselements 350 being maintained.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the pixel trunk line 750 ispatterned to form the trunk separate lines 750 a and the trunkspaced-apart portions 750 b. The patterning may include a generalmasking process, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The patterningmay also include disconnecting a line using laser. The trunk separatelines 750 a may be electrically separated from each other, be coupled to(e.g., connected to) the pixel branch lines 610, 620, and 630, and applydifferent electrical signals thereto. More detailed descriptions thereofhave been provided herein above.

When the pixel trunk line 750 is separated due to the trunk separatelines 750 a, each pixel may have a structure of the first type pixelFlip 1 or the second type pixel Flip 2. For example, the first pixelbranch line 710 and the first common branch line 610 have the same(e.g., substantially the same) structure as the first type pixel Flip 1.In the case of the second pixel PX2 adjacent to the first pixel PX1, thesecond common branch line 620 and the second pixel branch line 720 havethe structure of the second type pixel Flip 2. The first pixel PX1 andthe second pixel PX2 have symmetrical structures (e.g., substantiallysymmetrical structures) with respect to a boundary therebetween, and thefirst pixel branch line 710 and the second common branch line 620 arerespectively disposed at the left and the right of the first commonbranch line 610. The capacitance C due to the AC power is not generatedbetween (or not substantially generated between) the first common branchline 610 and the second common branch line 620.

In the case of the second pixel branch line 720, the third pixel branchline 730 may be disposed at the right thereof in the drawings, and thethird common branch line 630 may be disposed in the structure of thefirst type pixel Flip 1. The second pixel branch line 720 and the thirdcommon branch line 630 may be respectively disposed at the left and theright of the third pixel branch line 730. Since the capacitance due tothe AC power is not generated between (or not substantially generatedbetween) the second pixel branch line 720 and the third pixel branchline 730, the luminous elements 350 are not aligned between the secondpixel branch line 720 and the third pixel branch line 730.

The display device 10 of FIG. 1 may be manufactured using theabove-described method. In the display device 10, some of the commonbranch lines 610, 620, 630 and the pixel branch lines 710, 720, 730 maybe continuously branched. In the pixels PX in which the common branchlines 610, 620, 630 and the pixel branch lines 710, 720, 730 aredisposed, the arrangement structures of the branch lines may besymmetrical (e.g., substantially symmetrical) with respect to boundariesbetween the pixels PX. Accordingly, when aligning the luminous elements350, formation of unnecessary capacitance C in the non-alignment areaNAA may be prevented or reduced, and the drop of the voltage of the ACpower may be minimized or reduced. Consequently, luminous elements 350may be uniformly (e.g., substantially uniformly) aligned throughout theentire (e.g., substantially the entire) area of the display device 10.

Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed. Examples of possible structures, arrangement relationships,or the like of a plurality of lines 400 disposed in a display device 10will be described in the other embodiments which will be described withreference to other drawings. However, the present disclosure is notnecessarily limited thereto.

First, the structure and arrangement of separate lines according toanother embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11-12 .

FIGS. 11-12 are plan views of display devices according to otherembodiments.

Referring to FIG. 11 , in a display device 10_1 according to anotherembodiment, pixel branch lines 710_1, 720_1, and 730_1 may includebranch separate lines 710 a_1, 720 a_1, and 730 a_1, respectively. Inaddition, the pixel branch lines 710_1, 720_1, and 730_1 include branchspaced-apart portions 710 b_1, 720 b_1, and 730 b_1, respectively, andthe branch separate lines 710 a_1, 720 a_1, and 730 a_1 may beelectrically separated from a pixel trunk line 750_1.

For example, a first pixel branch line 710_1 of a first pixel PX1 may beelectrically separated from the pixel trunk line 750_1. The first pixelbranch line 710_1 may include a first branch separate line 710 a_1 and afirst branch spaced-apart portion 710 b_1, and the first branchspaced-apart portion 710 b_1 may be disposed between the first branchseparate line 710 a_1 and the pixel trunk line 750_1. The first branchseparate line 710 a_1 and the first branch spaced-apart portion 710 b_1may be aligned in the second direction D2 in which the first pixelbranch line 710_1 extends.

The second branch separate line 720 a_1 and the second branchspaced-apart portion 720 b_1 may have the same (e.g., substantially thesame) structure as above, and the third branch separate line 730 a_1 andthe third branch spaced-apart portion 730 b_1 may have the same (e.g.,substantially the same) structure as above. Redundant descriptionsthereof will not be repeated here.

The branch separate lines 710 a_1, 720 a_1, and 730 a_1 may beelectrically separated from the pixel trunk line 750_1. In someembodiments, the branch separate lines 710 a_1, 720 a_1, and 730 a_1 maycome into electrical contact with different thin film transistors. Thebranch separate lines 710 a_1, 720 a_1, and 730 a_1 may receiveelectrical signals different from those received by other branchseparate lines 710 a_1, the branch separate lines 710 a_1, 720 a_1, and730 a_1 and common branch lines 610_1, 620_1, and 630_1 may configuredifferent pixels PX, and different luminous elements 350 disposedtherebetween may be separately operated.

Next, referring to FIG. 12 , in a display device 10_2 according to stillanother embodiment, pixel branch lines 710_2, 710_2, and 710_3 mayinclude one or more of branch trunk lines 710 a_2, 720 a_2, and 730 a_2.

For example, a first pixel branch line 710_2 of a first pixel PX1 may beelectrically separated from a pixel trunk line 750_2. The first pixelbranch line 710_2 may include a plurality of first branch separate lines710 a_2 and a first branch spaced-apart portion 710 b_2. The firstbranch spaced-apart portion 710 b_2 may be disposed between the firstbranch separate line 710 a_2 and the pixel trunk line 750_2. The firstbranch spaced-apart portions 710 b_2 may also be disposed between thefirst branch separate lines 710 a_2. The plurality of first branchseparate lines 710 a_2 and the first branch spaced-apart portion 710 b_2may be aligned in the second direction D2 in which the first pixelbranch line 710_2 extends.

Accordingly, the plurality of first branch separate lines 710 a_2 and afirst common branch line 610_2, which is disposed opposite to theplurality of first branch separate lines 710 a_2 and spaced aparttherefrom, may configure a single pixel PX. For example, unlike FIG. 11, a single first pixel branch line 710_2 may configure a plurality ofpixels PX. The luminous elements 350 configured to emit the same (e.g.,substantially the same) colored light are disposed between the firstpixel branch line 710_2 and the first common branch line 610_2, but theluminous elements 350 may be separately operated by the plurality offirst branch separate lines 710 a_2.

The second branch separate line 720 a_2 of the second pixel PX2 and thethird branch separate line 730 a_2 of the third pixel PX3 may also beidentically described as above, and other structures are the same asthose described above with reference to FIG. 11 . Redundant descriptionsthereof will not be repeated here.

Consequently, as illustrated in the drawings, a plurality of type pixelsFlip 1 and Flip 2 may be arranged in the first direction D1 and thesecond direction D2. For example, the first type pixel Flip 1 may bearranged in the second direction D2 in the first pixel PX1 configured todisplay red (R). The second type pixel Flip 2 may be arranged in thesecond direction D2 in the second pixel PX2 which is adjacent to thefirst pixel PX1 in the first direction D1. Likewise, the first typepixel Flip 1 and the second type pixel Flip 2 each arranged in thesecond direction D2 may be arranged in the first pixel PX1 and thefourth pixel PX4 configured to display red (R). At a boundary betweendifferent type pixels Flip 1 and Flip 2, pixel branch lines or commonbranch lines, which are the same (e.g., substantially the same) type ofbranch lines, are disposed, and thus capacitance due to the AC power isnot formed (or substantially not formed).

On the other hand, the same (e.g., substantially the same) type pixelsFlip 1 and Flip 2 arranged in the second direction D2 may share somelines, e.g., common branch lines, in some cases. As illustrated in thedrawings, pixel branch lines, which are different types of branch lines,may be electrically separated, and the same (e.g., substantially thesame) type pixels Flip 1 and Flip 2 arranged in the second direction D2may also be separately operated.

Ends of the pixel branch patterns 700P disposed to be adjacent to eachother illustrated in FIG. 7 , which are spaced apart from the commontrunk line 650 and terminated, may be coupled to (e.g., connected to)each other. When an end of an arbitrary pixel branch pattern 700P iscoupled to (e.g., connected to) another pixel branch pattern 700P whichis spaced apart therefrom at a small gap, an average voltage drop of theAC power applied from the pixel trunk line 750 may be decreased. Thiswill be described in more detail herein below with reference to FIGS.13-15 .

FIGS. 13-15 are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating adisplay device according to still another embodiment and a method ofmanufacturing the same.

Referring to FIGS. 13-15 , during manufacture of a display device 10_3according to still another embodiment (see FIG. 5 ), ends of at leastsome of arbitrary pixel branch patterns 700P_3 may be coupled to (e.g.,connected to) each other at an anode-cathode layer ACL_3 formed at theinsulating substrate layer 310. Ends of arbitrary common branch patterns600P_3 may also be coupled to (e.g., connected to) each other.

For example, first, as illustrated in FIG. 14 , two or more commonbranch patterns 600P_3 and two or more pixel branch patterns 700P_3 mayform pairs and branch off. Ends of the patterns forming the pairs may becoupled to (e.g., connected to) each other.

The common branch pattern 600P_3 is spaced apart from a common trunkline 650_3 and branches off therefrom. The common branch pattern 600P_3is spaced apart from a pixel trunk line 750_3 and terminated. Ends ofcommon branch patterns 600P_3 which are opposite to the pixel trunk line750_3 of patterns which branch off at a relatively small gap may becoupled to (e.g., connected to) each other.

The pixel branch pattern 700P_3 is spaced apart from the pixel trunkline 750_3 and branches off therefrom. The pixel branch pattern 700P_3is spaced apart from the common trunk line 650_3 and terminated. Ends ofpixel branch patterns 700P_3 which are opposite to the common trunk line650_3 of patterns which branch off at a relatively small gap may becoupled to (e.g., connected to) each other.

The AC power applied through the pixel trunk line 750_3 mayprogressively weaken along the pixel branch pattern 700P_3. When ends ofthe pixel branch patterns 700P_3 which are opposite to the common trunkline 650_3 are coupled to (e.g., connected to) each other as illustratedin FIG. 13 , the voltage drop of the AC power may be recovered at thecoupled ends (e.g., connected ends). For example, the average voltagedrop of the AC power formed in a direction in which the pixel branchpattern 700P_3 extends may be reduced. Accordingly, an AC power at asimilar level as that applied to branch patterns disposed to be adjacentto the AC power may also be applied to branch patterns which aredisposed at a relatively far distance from the AC power. Consequently,at a front surface of the display device 10_3, the luminous elements 350may be uniformly (e.g., substantially uniformly) aligned.

Next, referring to FIG. 14 , a plurality of luminous elements 350 arealigned in an area in which the common branch pattern 600P_3 and thepixel branch pattern 700P_3 are spaced apart from each other. The commonbranch pattern 600P_3 and the pixel branch pattern 700P_3 may align theluminous elements 350 and configure common branch lines 610_3, 620_3,and 630_3 and pixel branch lines 710_3, 720_3, and 730_3. Detaileddescriptions thereof have been provided herein above with reference toFIG. 8 .

Referring to FIG. 15 , the pixel branch lines 710_3, 720_3, and 730_3are patterned to form branch separate lines 710 a_3, 720 a_3, and 730a_3. In the case of FIG. 15 , as in FIG. 12 , the pixel branch lines710_3, 720_3, and 730_3 may include the plurality of branch separatelines 710 a_3, 720 a_3, and 730 a_3 and branch spaced-apart portions 710b_3, 720 b_3, and 730 b_3. The branch separate lines 710 a_3, 720 a_3,and 730 a_3 may be disposed opposite to the common branch lines 610_3,620_3, and 630_3, spaced apart therefrom, and configure a single pixelPX. More detailed descriptions thereof have been provided herein abovewith reference to FIG. 12 , and thus, redundant description thereof willnot be repeated here.

However, in the case of FIG. 15 , ends of pixel branch patterns 600P_3may be coupled to (e.g., connected to) each other. The coupled end(e.g., connected end) may be electrically separated, and the pluralityof pixel branch lines 710_3, 720_3, and 730_3 may configure the branchseparate lines 710 a_3, 720 a_3, and 730 a_3, respectively. Asillustrated in FIG. 15 , a length of branch spaced-apart portions 710b_3′, 720 b_3′, and 730 b_3′ disposed at the coupled ends (e.g.,connected ends) may be shorter than a gap at which adjacent pixel branchlines, e.g., a second pixel branch line 720_3 and a third pixel branchline 730_3, are spaced apart. Accordingly, a portion of a second branchseparate line 720 a_3′ and a portion of a third branch separate line 730a_3′ disposed at the coupled ends (e.g., connected ends) may protrude ina direction in which the second branch separate line 720 a_3′ and thethird branch separate line 730 a_3′ are disposed opposite to each other.However, embodiments are not limited thereto, and a length of the branchspaced-apart portions 710 b_3′, 720 b_3′, and 730 b_3′ disposed at thecoupled ends (e.g., connected ends) may be equal to the gap at which thesecond pixel branch line 720_3 and the third pixel branch line 730_3 arespaced apart. In this case, the second branch separate line 720 a_3′ andthe third branch separate line 730 a_3′ disposed at the coupled ends(e.g., connected ends) may substantially be aligned with another secondbranch separate line 720 a_3 and another third branch separate line 730a_3 instead of protruding.

However, embodiments are not limited thereto. In the case of FIG. 15 ,although the pixel branch lines 710_3, 720_3, and 730_3 are illustratedas including the plurality of branch separate lines 710 a_3, 720 a_3,and 730 a_3, the pixel trunk line 750_3 may include a trunk separateline as in the display device 10 of FIG. 1 in some cases. Also, as inthe display device 10_1 of FIG. 11 , each of the pixel branch lines710_3, 720_3, and 730_3 may include only one branch separate line. Thestructure is not particularly limited as long as the ends of the pixelbranch lines 710_3, 720_3, and 730_3 coupled to (e.g., connected to)each other are patterned and adjacent pixels PX are electricallyseparated. Since the descriptions of the structure have been providedherein above, redundant descriptions thereof will not be repeated here.

In a display device according to an embodiment, pixels having differentline structures are disposed such that alignment signal lines ofadjacent pixels can have a symmetrical structure (e.g., a substantiallysymmetrical structure). Accordingly, the drop of an alignment voltagecan be prevented or reduced by removing capacitance that may be formedbetween the alignment signal lines of the adjacent pixels when power isapplied. By preventing or reducing the drop of the alignment voltageduring manufacture of the display device, luminous elements can beuniformly (e.g., substantially uniformly) aligned in the display device.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,”“above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofexplanation to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will beunderstood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the device in use or in operation, in additionto the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the devicein the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or“beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented“above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below”and “under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Thedevice may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at otherorientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein shouldbe interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the presentdisclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intendedto include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of the stated features,integers, acts, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, acts, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “atleast one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire listof elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar termsare used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and areintended to account for the inherent deviations in measured orcalculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of thepresent disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.” As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may beconsidered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and“utilized,” respectively. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended torefer to an example or illustration.

Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include allsub-ranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recitedrange. For example, a range of “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include allsubranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1.0 andthe recited maximum value of 10.0, that is, having a minimum value equalto or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0,such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitationrecited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitationssubsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in thisspecification is intended to include all higher numerical limitationssubsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amendthis specification, including the claims, to expressly recite anysub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein.

In concluding the detailed description, those skilled in the art willappreciate that many variations and modifications can be made to thedisclosed embodiments without substantially departing from theprinciples of the present disclosure. Therefore, the describedembodiments of the disclosure are used in a generic and descriptivesense only and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a substrateincluding a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixelsadjacent to the first pixel; a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed onthe substrate; a plurality of common electrodes disposed on thesubstrate and spaced apart from the pixel electrodes; a first insulatinglayer disposed on the substrate, and at least portion of the firstinsulating layer disposed on the each of the pixel electrode and thecommon electrode; and a plurality of light emitting elements disposed onthe first insulating layer, and at least portion of the light emittingelements overlapping the pixel electrode and the common electrode,wherein the pixel electrode, the common electrode, and the lightemitting element are disposed in each of the first pixel and the secondpixel, the common electrode of the first pixel and the common electrodeof the second pixel are disposed adjacent to each other, and disposedbetween a first pixel electrode of the first pixel and a second pixelelectrode of the second pixel.
 2. The display device of claim 1, whereinat least one of the first pixels and at least one of the second pixelsare alternately arranged.
 3. The display device of claim 1, wherein thecommon electrode of the first pixel and the common electrode of thesecond pixel are electrically connected to each other.
 4. The displaydevice of claim 1, further comprising: a first wall disposed between thepixel electrode and the substrate; and a second wall disposed betweenthe common electrode and the substrate; wherein each of the plurality oflight emitting elements is disposed between the first wall and thesecond wall.
 5. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: asecond insulating layer disposed on the light emitting element; a firstcontact electrode disposed on the pixel electrode; and a second contactelectrode disposed on the common electrode; wherein each of the firstcontact electrode and the second contact electrode is contact with thelight emitting element.
 6. The display device of claim 5, wherein afirst end portion of the light emitting element is contact with thefirst contact electrode, and a second end portion of the light emittingelement is contact with the second contact electrode.
 7. The displaydevice of claim 6, wherein the first end portion of the light emittingelement disposed in the first pixel and the first end portion of thelight emitting element disposed in the second pixel face in oppositedirection each other.
 8. The display device of claim 5, wherein at leastportion of the first contact electrode and the second contact electrodeis disposed on the second insulating layer.
 9. The display device ofclaim 8, wherein the first contact electrode is contact with a firstside surface of the second insulating layer, and the second contactelectrode is contact with a second side surface of the second insulatinglayer.
 10. The display device of claim 5, further comprising: a thirdinsulating layer disposed on the second insulating layer, wherein thethird insulating layer covers the first contact electrode, and at leastportion of the second contact electrode is disposed on the thirdinsulating layer.
 11. The display device of claim 5, wherein the firstcontact electrode is electrically contact with the pixel electrode, andthe second contact electrode is electrically contact with the commonelectrode.
 12. The display device of claim 5, wherein at least portionof the first contact electrode is directly contact with the pixelelectrode, and at least portion of the second contact electrode isdirectly contact with the common electrode.